Critically listening to music

[Andrew17321]

Want to improve your ability to listen to music? It is cheaper than a new amplifier. In fact it is free!

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/critical-listening-for-studio-production

I have no knowledge of the quality of this course, but I know from my own past experience that taking a course on critically listening to music can really increase the involvement and enjoyment of music.

Andrew

 

[floyd droid]

With all due respect Andrew , you are kidding yes ?.

 

[DandyCobalt]

Just like wine/tea/coffee tasting courses and art appreciation etc...why not?

Sound recording/mastering depends on it - otherwise, which knobs should they tweek to improve it?

But critically listening to music can be very disappointing. Enjoying the overall sound can be more forgiving/rewarding.

 

[bluebrazil]

i'd rather relax and listen, thinking too hard and your listening to your hifi and what you like and dislike about the reproduction.

 

[BigH]

Pass rather do a beer tasting course or rather just drink some decent beer.

 

[CJSF]

:?

 

[floyd droid]

Sound recording/mastering depends on it - otherwise, which knobs should they tweek to improve it?

Aye , but thats a totaly different kettle of hamsters innit. Mind you with some of the cr*p that emanates form my speakers at times I reckon a fair few studio employees could do well with going on a course , of ear drops.

 

[Covenanter]

I have got a great deal more out of listening to opera since taking an OU course which included analysis of Mozart's "Don Giovanni". Similarly I have read a history of Western music which gave me an understanding of the structure of classical music which does add something.

Chris

 

[matthewpiano]

I have got a great deal more out of listening to opera since taking an OU course which included analysis of Mozart's "Don Giovanni". Similarly I have read a history of Western music which gave me an understanding of the structure of classical music which does add something. Chris

Is that the Donald Jay Grout book Chris? Excellent book that, very readable but very informative at the same time. As a general book on the development of Western music it is very hard to beat.

I think certainly with 'classical' music, an understanding of the nuts and bolts, and a willingness to pay real attention to the music, really does heighten enjoyment. There are so many things to revel in - development of thematic material, various fascinating juxtapositions, scoring and orchestration, harmonic movement etc. - that the closer you listen the more is revealed.

Also, if the hi-fi is right, the critical listening won't draw your attention away from the music, but further into the music IMO.

 

[matt49]

I have got a great deal more out of listening to opera since taking an OU course which included analysis of Mozart's "Don Giovanni". Similarly I have read a history of Western music which gave me an understanding of the structure of classical music which does add something. Chris

Is that the Donald Jay Grout book Chris? Excellent book that, very readable but very informative at the same time. As a general book on the development of Western music it is very hard to beat.

I think certainly with 'classical' music, an understanding of the nuts and bolts, and a willingness to pay real attention to the music, really does heighten enjoyment. There are so many things to revel in - development of thematic material, various fascinating juxtapositions, scoring and orchestration, harmonic movement etc. - that the closer you listen the more is revealed.

Also, if the hi-fi is right, the critical listening won't draw your attention away from the music, but further into the music IMO.

Absolutely. And no formal musical training needed (though I wish I had it). Just a willingness to learn and a lack of fear.

Have you tried Richard Taruskin's 'Oxford History of Western Music'? It's on my retirement reading list (too much other stuff to read in the meantime).

 

[ID.]

Is that the Donald Jay Grout book Chris? Excellent book that, very readable but very informative at the same time. As a general book on the development of Western music it is very hard to beat.

Doh. Not available on Kindle.

 

[BigH]

Just reserved it from my library.

 

[Covenanter]

I have got a great deal more out of listening to opera since taking an OU course which included analysis of Mozart's "Don Giovanni". Similarly I have read a history of Western music which gave me an understanding of the structure of classical music which does add something. Chris

Is that the Donald Jay Grout book Chris? Excellent book that, very readable but very informative at the same time. As a general book on the development of Western music it is very hard to beat.

I think certainly with 'classical' music, an understanding of the nuts and bolts, and a willingness to pay real attention to the music, really does heighten enjoyment. There are so many things to revel in - development of thematic material, various fascinating juxtapositions, scoring and orchestration, harmonic movement etc. - that the closer you listen the more is revealed.

Also, if the hi-fi is right, the critical listening won't draw your attention away from the music, but further into the music IMO.

Indeed it was. An excellent book, well worth the investment if you are interested in music.

WRT the OU course it was fascinating to see a number of people from different cultural and educational backgrounds coming to an understanding that opera had something to say to them.

Chris